Harry Colt is credited with the design, construction and remodeling of over 300 courses worldwide. These include some of the most famous layouts in the world such as Pine Valley, Muirfield, Royal Lytham and St. Anne’s, Sunningdale New Course, Swinley Forest, St George’s Hill, the Eden Course at St. Andrews, Wentworth (East and West Courses), Rye and Royal Portrush. Colt apparently saw it as his primary task to work with the curves of nature and to make courses appear part of the existing countryside. Founded in 1920, his work at Prestbury does just that as the course makes the most of the dramatic changes in elevation afforded by the hilly terrain. The nature of the site coupled with the sandy subsoil means that the course drains exceptionally well and, unlike many others in the area, hardly ever closes due to heavy rainfall.

Colt's partner (along with Charles Alison) was Dr Alister MacKenzie whose course designs span four continents. He is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. He designed more than 50 golf courses including 3 that remain in the 2016 top 10 golf courses in the world; Augusta National Golf Club and Cypress Point Club in the USA, and Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West Course) in Australia.

The layout at Prestbury is outstanding, especially when considering the comparatively small scale of the site. The back nine is routed around the front nine in a horse shoe like fashion with the 6th green and holes 7 and 8 being the open ended part of the shoe. Interestingly, the back nine covers the highest part of the property at the 10th tee and lowest part at the 12th green with an ease few architects could match. While the walk back up to the clubhouse involves some gentle climbing it never requires a long green to tee walk. In 1934 Colt said of Prestbury “Owing to the natural formation of the ground, the golf is, in my opinion, very interesting and the variety provided is excellent as every hole presents some distinct feature of an impressive character”.

Paul Turner, regarded by many as the World’s most knowledgeable Colt historian, recently visited the course and said “Prestbury has been top of my “to see” list for too long now as I live in New York and it was a real pleasure to finally get to see the course. It is a very interesting course as it is routed over quite a small parcel of land – only about 90 acres and Colt certainly did a masterful job. Prestbury is the kind of club and course I would want to join (assuming that they would have me!) with a very friendly membership and a beautiful course full of variety and character that you would never get bored with. I’m not one to put a whole lot of stock in “Top 100" lists but how Prestbury is completely ignored in the various lists is beyond me – give me a round at Prestbury over Wentworth West any day!”.

The club has hosted many county and national competitions, including the English Seniors Championship and Open Championship Regional Qualifying. In 2020, our Centenary year, we will be proud to host the Reid Trophy (English Boys' Under 14's Championship). Presented to the highest possible standards, Prestbury is usually in pristine condition and in July 2016 European Tour player David Horsey commented that the “Golf course is immaculate…virtually tour standard at the moment”.

The delightful village of Prestbury, along with nearby Alderley Edge, is consistently ranked as one of the most desirable villages in the UK and is located within easy reach of Manchester city centre, the M6 and M56 motorways, Manchester Airport (without being under the flight path!) and the stunning Peak District National Park.

As well as the course, the club is rightly proud of its 27-acre practice ground with purpose built grass tee, long and short game areas and indoor teaching facility. The envy of most other clubs!

The club has a thriving social scene with regular functions for members held throughout the year. Five star quality catering is complimented by a fully stocked bar with a selection of local cask ales and fine wines.

Members also benefit from reciprocity with 11 other great courses, including West Lancs and Lindrick, via the “passport scheme” and a further selection of courses via the Harry Colt Association. For the competitive golfer the club offers weekly competitions and inter-club matches for both men’s and ladies’ sections. There is also a thriving junior section.

Society day on your calendar?

Let us help. In fact, let us take care of every last detail.

The quality of the course, the reputation of our catering and the friendly ambience of the club make Prestbury a favourite venue for society days, charity days, and corporate events. Our normal “society day” is Thursday and the success of these events has resulted in a large number of groups returning to us year on year, so you are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.